Great Langdale FAQs

Camping is a great way to experience the Lake District and there are plenty of options available for places to stay with the National Trust. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Great Langdale Campsite, which is located at the foot of the spectacular Langdale Pikes.

Where is the nearest food shop?

We have an exceptionally well stocked shop selling the following:

Hot bacon sandwiches, veggie sausage baguettes and tea and coffee

Groceries - milk, bread, bacon, tinned foods, pasta, rice

Baguettes and pastries

Chocolate, sweets, ice cream, biscuits

Fuel - good range of gas from small canisters to 15kg refillable, meths and Coleman fuel

Maps, guide books, hats, gloves

Toiletries and medicines

Toys, games, gifts, postcards & stamps

Camping & walking accessories

There is a larger shop, a co-op, in Chapel Stile a couple of miles down the valley from the campsite.

The nearest bank with cash machine is the Nat West in Ambleside. There is also a cash machine at Tesco in Ambleside and cash back facilities are available at the Spar in Ambleside and the Co-op in Hawkshead.

Can I bring my dog?

Well behaved dogs are welcome at Great Langdale campsite for which we make a small charge per night. Dogs should be exercised away from other campers and any mess cleared up immediately.

Great Langdale Valley is a popular starting point for a hike up on to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike (and not Scafell - shorter by 14 metres.) By the shortest route from the campsite, the summit is approximately 10km away (20 km round trip). To walk there and back, the time will obviously vary according to the fitness and age of your group but it would be sensible to allow a complete day for the hike. Very fit hikers can get there and back in as little as 7 hours but 8 - 10 hours is the average time taken.

This is a serious walk with some very steep rocky paths with ample opportunity to get lost on the fells. It is a route that should only be tackled by experienced fellwalkers.

You can walk along the valley floor to Chapel Stile and Elterwater, two very pretty Lakeland villages both boasting excelent Lakeland Inns.

Our campsite staff will be more than happy to offer any advice they can. Maps and guides can be bought in the campsite shop.

Where are the nearest climbing routes and are they suitable for beginners?

There are many spectacular rock climbing routes of all grades which are easy walking distance from the campsite. Raven Crag right behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel provides varied multi pitch routes as does Gimmer Crag which is a little further along the valley (approx 30 minute walk). Scout Crag is a popular place for climbing groups. Further information can be found at UKClimbing.com.

Chapel Stile is the nearest village which is 2 miles away where there is a great pub, a café and a Co-Op. Ambleside and Grasmere are approximately 8 miles away. Coniston is also only about 12 miles away. Further information can be found at www.amblesideonline.co.uk about Langdale and surrounding villages.

Where is the nearest bus stop?

The nearest bus stop is approximately 5 minute walk from the campsite. The route is bus 516 The Langdale Rambler which travels from Ambleside and from Kendal during weekends. For timetable information, visit Traveline or telephone 0870 608 2608.

Can I bring my trailer tent / caravan / campervan?

You can bring tents and camper vans - please note there are limited hook up facilities and no chemical disposal facility on site. We take trailer tents, however we do not allow cars on the grass, so you may have to pull the trailer a short distance by hand. Sorry, we cannot accept caravans.

Do you have laundry facilities?

We have washing machines and dryers. Tokens are available from the shop. Washer £3, Drier £2.

What places are there to visit nearby?

There are countless places of interest nearby including many of our properties.

Yes, we accept most credit cards (except American Express) for payments over £5.

Which is the nearest lake?

The two nearest lakes to Langdale are Windermere (approximately 8 miles) and Coniston Water (approximately 10 miles) where you can cruise on the elegant Steam Yacht Gondola. There are of course closer tarns and waters such as Elterwater, Rydal Water and Loughrigg Tarn, all offering spectacular walks.

Are you open all year?

Yes, we are open all year round, but check our homepage for updates if Met Office have issued extreme weather warnings.

What time do we have to check out in the morning?

Please take your tent down by 11am on the morning you are leaving. You may leave your car on site for the rest of the day, except at Bank Holidays and other times when the site is full.

Can I have a fire or barbecue?

Fires are not allowed, but you are welcome to use a barbecue, as long as it is above ground.

Can under 18s stay at the site?

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I have to pay for the showers?

No, use of the showers is included in your pitch fee.

Can I park my car by my tent?

To protect the beauty of our sites, we provide ample parking away from the tents, but close enough so you won’t have to struggle too far with all your gear.